This page offers guidance for adults working with middle school and high school Friends in Quaker meetings. It explains how young people grow and change during these years and why middle schoolers and high schoolers have different needs. For related resources, see Supporting High School Students in Your Meeting and Intergenerational Spaces That Empower.
The resource gives tips on understanding their development and planning activities, lessons, and worship that support their spiritual and personal growth in a Quaker community.
Developmental Differences in Middle and High School
This resource gives helpful information for adults who work with middle and high school students in Quaker settings. It explains how young people grow and change during these years. It also shows how their needs are different. Middle schoolers (grades 6–8) are becoming more independent. High schoolers (grades 9–12) are preparing for adulthood.
This guide is for teachers, mentors, and youth workers. It includes planning lessons and activities that fit different stages of development.
Asking Young People to Serve on Committees
If you are an older Friend in a Quaker community, talk to younger people in your meeting: get to know their skills and gifts. When you have developed rapport with someone who is invested in the Quaker way, ask them if they’d be open to serving on a committee. When you talk, be sure to affirm the spiritual gifts that you see in the young person. Offer concrete examples.
Offer short-term committee appointments, such as one-year appointments, for people to consider if their lives are in flux. Leave it up the Friend to decide what is best for them.
Make childcare available during committee meetings. This can be important for all Friends who have young children.
Recognize that younger Friends may have restrictive schedules. Some younger Friends are at the beginning stages of their career, and some young Friends have intensive courseloads or after school activities. Whenever possible, move the committee meeting time to a time that works for younger Friends. Hold people accountable for coming as much as is possible, and be tender with them as they discern this.
Open up opportunities for people to contribute to committees in spite of tight schedules. Ask young people on your committee if there are ways to change the set-up so that it works better for them. Ask young people if they’d like to opt out of some committee attendance but be consulted on certain issues.
Recipe for Weekend-Long Retreat for High-School Aged Quaker Youth
This guide helps Quaker communities plan a strong weekend retreat for high-school-aged youth. It uses a “recipe” format to list important ingredients, such as leaders, space, and activities. It also includes a sample schedule. The retreat plan balances structured programs with free time and worship. The goal is to create a meaningful and spirit-centered experience for young Friends.
A Short History of Quakerism in 10 Easy Points
Friend Maya Wright wrote this skit for the Young Adult Friends Conference in Richmond, Indiana, May 23-26, 2008. She welcomes and encourages anyone to re-perform this skit, with or without alterations.